84% of membership vote to approve new five-year contract
ERIE COUNTY, NY— A new five-year contract has been agreed to by AFSCME Local 1095 after membership voted 444-83 to approve the new deal, which covers the period from January 1, 2027 – December 31, 2031. The new contract includes pay raises in each of those years as well as job upgrades to Motor Equipment Operator positions and other changes.
“My administration has a long track record of successful negotiations with the bargaining units that make up the county work force, and we have always approached these talks with a reasonable budget outlook paired with great respect for the men and women who work for Erie County. As we have seen in the past, strong negotiations result in good outcomes for all parties, and this new AFSCME agreement benefits workers while being fiscally prudent for the county,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “I thank Commissioner of Labor Relations Kola Jesutowo Adeniji and his team for their work with AFSCME President Rich Canazzi and their team to reach this deal, and AFSCME membership for their ratification vote. We are moving Erie County forward, together.”
Cost of living adjustments for unit members will occur on January 1 of each year:
- January 1, 2027: $1.20 added to their base pay
- January 1, 2028: 2.75% increase
- January 1, 2029: 2.5% increase
- January 1, 2030: 2.5% increase
- January 1, 2031: 2.5% increase
Other components of the new contract include:
- On January 1, 2027, Motor Equipment Operator 1 (MEO 1) will be upgraded from Job Group 5 to 6
- On January 1, 2027, Motor Equipment Operator 2 (MEO 2) will be upgraded from Job Group 7 to 8
Voluntary Approved Unpaid Leave Time (VAULT): Beginning January 1, 2027, the County will be able to offer voluntary unpaid leave during periods of downtime within any department or program area (voluntary for the employees). This option may be used at management’s discretion during periods of reduced operational demand or temporary facility closures.
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